Rotator cable in pathological shoulders: comparison with normal anatomy in a cadaveric study

The rotator cable is a semicircular thickening of the glenohumeral joint capsule. It travels between tubercles of the humerus and interweaves with the supra- and infraspinatus muscle tendons. The rotator cable anchors these tendons to the tubercles, playing the role of a suspension bridge. However, little is known about the modifications of this cable that result from pathologies to the rotator cuff tendons. Thus, we aim to compare the morphology of the normal rotator cable with cables in specimens with rotator cuff injuries. The glenohumeral joint was dissected in 30 cadaveric shoulders. The supra-, infraspinatus and teres minor muscles were inspected for injuries and the rotator cable was visualised. The cables course was determined and the width, length and thickness were measured. The rotator cable was found present in all cadavers dissected. In three specimens there was a partial injury of the supraspinatus tendon (two from capsular side and one from bursal side). The rotator cable was thickened in the cases of capsular tears. In another two specimens the supraspinatus and infraspinatus muscles were torn completely and in these cases the rotator cable was blended with retracted stumps and elongated to the level of the glenoid rim. The rotator cable creates a functional complex with the supra- and infrasinatus muscles. The morphology of the cable differs in cases of rotator cuff injury.